Yarn tensioning device



May 29, 1951 E. J. HEIZER YARN TENSIONING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 22, 1947 INVENTOR. lib Ward dzyezlzez' Wan-0% ATTORNEY y 1951 E. J. HEIZER 2,554,493

YARN TENSIONING DEVICE Filed Aug. 22, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IIII llllllllllll ,lliill 50 IN VEN TOR. 34 5f 57 5/ 50 Emma! 11 AEm'zefi [f4 TTORNBY Patented May 29, 1951 YARN TENSIONING DEVICE Edward J. Heizer, West Caldwell, N. J., assignor to Specialties Development Corporation, Belleville, N. J a corporation of New Jersey Application August 22, 1947, Serial No. 770,021

28 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to an improved yarn tensioning device particularly adapted for use in conjunction with machines for winding yarn on cops, bobbins and the like, or for performing other operations involving the use of yarn.

An object of the present invention is to provide a yarn tensioning device through which the yarn is supplied at a substantially uniform tension.

Another object is to provide a tensioning device adapted to supply the yarn with such uniform output tension even if the input tension of the yarn varies over a wide range.

Another object is to provide a tensioning device which is readily adjustable to tension the yarn at predetermined desired values.

Another object is to provide a readily adjustable tensioning device having indicating means for duplicating desired settings.

Another object is to provide a tensioning device which is readily adjustable to receive yarns of different diameters varying over a relatively wide range.

Another object is to provide a tensioning device which will not damage the yarn.

A further object is to provide a yarn tensioning device which is simple in design, accurate and rapid in operation, and can be manufactured and assembled economically.

Other and further objects of the invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiment about to be described, or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.

A preferred embodiment of the invention has been chosen for purposes of illustration and description, and is shown in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of the specification, wherein:

Figure l is an elevational view of a yarn tensioning device illustrating the present invention, with portions thereof broken away for clearness.

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 on Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 33 on Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along the line t on Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary stepped sectional view of a portion of the device shown in Figure 2, illustrating the operation of the device.

Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a detail of the device.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a yarn tensioning device which generally comprises a pair of members such as discs I0 and H for receiving yarn 'therebetween and slightly pinchingthe yarn to apply the desired tension thereto, and a control arm l2 for effecting separation of the discs to vary the tension applied. This action is accomplished by the construction about to be described.

More specifically, the tensioning device comprises a circular plate or base 5 having a central aperture i6 and a radially extending groove or slot on one side thereof (Figure 4), a stem l 9 threaded at the ends thereof having one of its ends extending through the aperture I6 and having a nut 2!] or the like applied thereto adjacent- The cam member 2| (Figure 6) has a cylindri-v cal section 25 adjacent the nut portion 22, which extends through a central aperture 26 of a circular casing or housing 2'! rotatably mounted on the base I5 and retained thereon by an enlarged cylindrical section 29 of the cam member. screw means 28 on the base serve to secure the housing 21 against relative rotative movement with respect thereto. The end of the section 29 is formed with a pair of cam surfaces 30,

the function of which will become apparent here-- inafter.

A cup-like retainer 3|, having a central aper-v ture 32 for receiving the stem l9 and having a circular recess 34 for receiving the cylindrical section 29, is rotatably mounted with respect to the stem and the cam member 2|. The retainer 3| has a pair of apertures 35 extending therethrough which are parallel to and diametrically opposite the aperture 32. Each aperture 35 has a pair of ball bearing members 36 therein, one of which is in contact with one of the cam surfaces 301 and the other of which engages a thrust ring 3! having a central aperture 39 through which the stem [9 extends to mount the ring thereon for endwise and rotative movement.

The arm I2 has one end thereof secured to the.

retainer 3| and extends tangentially therefrom Set.

and is adapted to impart rotative movement to the retainer in response to the output tension of the yarn extending over yarn guide means 40 at the free end of the arm. Such rotative movement of the retainer with respect to the cam member effects endwise movement of the thrust ring 31 as will be described hereinafter. This rotative movement is resisted by a flat spiral spring 4| having one of its ends anchored in a slot 42 in the retainer and having its other end anchored in a slot 44 in the housing 21 (Figure 1) A cover member 45 encloses the spring 4|'in the V housing 21. Relative positioning of the housing 21 on the base |5 determines the tension of the spring 4|.

The discs l and H are operatively associated with the foregoing elements and are mounted for lateral movement on the stem l9 as about to be described. Each disc has a cylindrical hub 46 telescoped over a cylindrical sleeve 47 through which the stem extends, and the hubs have a radially inwardl facing flange 49. The sleeve 41 has an enlarged bore portion 50 at one end for housing a helical spring one end of which abuts a shoulder 52 within the sleeve and the other end of which engages the flange 49 of the disc [0. The other end of the sleeve 41 engages the flange 49 of the disc ll, whereby the spring 5| acts to urge the discs l6 and relatively apart.

The disc II is retained against outward movement toward the end of the stem l9 by a lock nut assembly 53 threaded to the stem, and a felt washer 54 is positioned between the flange 49 of the disc H and the lock nut assembly to cushion shocks and to dampen vibrations. Since the lock nut assembly acts as a stop for the disc II, the spring 5|, in tending to separate the discs l0 and H, urges the flange 49 of the disc I!) against the thrust ring 31. The lock nut assembly may be adjusted to vary the initial space between the discs to thereby enable the discs to accommodate yarns of various diameters.

The device in accordance with the present invention further is provided with indicating means toenable settings at desired tensions to be readily duplicated. To accomplish this, the rim of the housing 21 has indicia thereon for indicating the fraction of one turn the housing has been rotated with respect to the base to loadthe spring 4| when the indicia registers with an'index mark 55 on an indicator member 56 slidably disposed in the groove (Figure 1). The member 56 has indicia thereon adapted to indicate the number of full turns the housing has been rotated, the rim of the housing serving as an index mark for this indicia. In order to slide the member 56 radially outwardly to expose theindicia thereon, the member 56 has a projection or follower :51 on its inner end adapted to ride in a spiral groove 59 formed in the housing (Figure 4). By using dead ends on thespiral groove 59 and limiting the number of convolutions, the total number of turns are limited to .prevent over stressing of the spring 4| as well as preventing counter rotation of the spring below its normal relaxed position.

In operation, with the parts of the device assembled as shown, the yarn to" be tensioned by the device is threaded through the guide |8, is passed between the discs ill and H, and is passed through or over the guide means 40.

The device is then adjusted to load the spring 41 to a desired value, so that the retainer 3| is rotated in a direction to cause the cam surfaces 311 tourge the ball bearing members 36 outwardly and-thrust the ring 231 in adirection to overcome of the disc It to effect closing of the disc-s.

4 I the disc separating spring 5| and hold the discs I0 and H together to provide a predetermined pinching effect. This adjustment is accomplished by unfastening the set screw means 28, rotating the housing 2? to the desired spring loading position, and fastening the set screw means.

The lock nut assembly is then adjusted to bring the discs l6 and H in the desired yarn pinching position and preferably is so adjusted that the control arm I2 is positioned just above its stop 23.

As yarn is fed through the device for example in a winding or spooling operation, the yarn is pinched by the discs l6 and to apply a uniform output tension to the yarn supplied, regardless of the input tension, which however may not exceed the desired output tension. Should the normal input tension increase, the output tension of yarn supplied by a conventional tension device would increase correspondingly. This, however, is prevented in the manner about to be described.

Upon increase in input tension, the tension of the yarn being supplied tends to increase and raises the control arm l2 in opposition to the spring 4| in proportion to the decreased pinch required to maintain a uniform output tension. The arm rotates the retainer 3| relatively to the cam member 2|, whereby the ball bearing members 36 ride downwardly along the cam surfaces 36 and move away from the thrust ring 31,, thereby permitting the spring 5| toeffect moving apart of the discs l0 and H (Figure 5) and. lessening the pinch on the yarn in an amount proportionate to the increase in input tension. When the input tension becomes normal again, tension of the yarn being supplied tends to decrease, and the arm I2 is lowered by the action of the spring 4| and the ball bearing members 36 ride upwardly along the cam surfaces 36 and engage the ring 3'! to thrust it against the flange In this manner, the device supplies yarn having a substantially uniform and constant output tens1on.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that the present invention provides an improved tensioning device which supplies the yarn with a substantially uniform and constant output tension regardless of changes in input tensions tending to vary the output tension of the yarn being supplied. The device is readily adjustable to predetermine the tension at which the yarn is to be supplied and is readily adapted for yarns of various diameters. The device is rugged in construction and can withstand such rough usage to which it maybe subjected. V

The elongated arm I 2, the cam surfaces 36, the retainer 3|, the ball bearing members 3.5 and the thrust ring 31, as described herein, provide a high mechanical advantage between the end of the arm |2 and the disc I!) movable with the thrust ring, whereby a substantial movement of the end of the arm i2 results in a very small movement of the disc H). The effective length of the arm I2 and the pitch of the cam surfaces 36 may be such as to give a ratio greater than twenty to one and preferably greater than sixty to one. Such high mechanical advantage enables the device to compensate for variations in input tension while maintaining the output tension substantially constant.

Also, by utilizing ball bearing members 5-6 cooperating with the cam surfaces 30 and the thrust ring 31 to control the relative movement of the discs H) and II, friction losses in the device are greatly minimized to render it very sensitive to changes'in tension. The sensitivity and responsiveness of the device is furthmer improved by use of the spring 4| which has relatively low inertia.

The term yarn as used herein is intended to include strands, filaments, wires, threads, or the ilke, formed of vegetable, animal or mineral matter.

As various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without sacrificing any of its advantages, it is to beunderstood that all matter herein is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. 7

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

I claim:

1. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a pair of members for receiving the yarn therebetween, resilient means for urging said members apart, means acting in opposition to said resilient means for moving said members toward each other, and means for operating said last mentioned meansv whereby tensioning of the yarn is controlled by said members.

2. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a pair of members for receiving the yarn therebetween, resilient means for urging said members apart, cam means for moving said members relatively toward each other in opposition to said resilient means, and means for operating said 4. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a stem, a pair of friction discs for receiving the yarn therebetween mounted on said stem for axial movement thereon, a stop on said stern for determining the extent of axial movement of said discs, resilient means for urging said discs apart, means acting in opposition to said resilient means for moving said discs relatively toward each other, and means for operating said last mentioned means whereby tensioning of the yarn is controlled by said discs.

5. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a pair of relatively movable members for receiving the yarn therebetween, means for urging said members apart, means acting to urge said members toward each other, and means controlled by the tension in the yarn having a high mechanical advantage for operating said last mentioned means whereby tensioning of the yarn is controlled by said members.

6. A device for tensioning yarn comprising'a pair of relatively movable members for receiving the yarn therebetween, means for urging said members apart, cam means for moving said members relatively toward each other, and means controlled by the tension in the yarn for operating said cam means whereby tensioning'of the yarn is controlled by said members.

'7. A device for tensioning yarn'comprising apair of relatively movable members for receiving the yarn therebetween, means for urging said. members apart, cam means for moving said members relatively toward each other, and means for operating said cam means including an elongated arm responsive to the tension in the yarn, whereby tensioning of the yarn is controlled by said members.

8. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a pair ,of relatively movable members for receiving the yarn therebetween, spring operated means acting to move said members relatively toward each other, means responsive to the tension in the yarn for operating said spring operated means to render the same at least partially ineffective, and means for adjusting said spring operated means.

9. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a pair of relatively movable members for receiving the yarn therebetween, spring operated means actingto move said members relatively toward each other, means responsive to the tension in the yarn for operating said spring operated means to render the same at least partially ineffective, means for adjusting said spring operated means, and means for indicating the adjustment of said spring operated means.

10. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a pair of members mounted for relative lateral movement adapted to receive the yarn therebetween, means for urging said members apart, means for adjusting the extent of movement of said members, means for moving said members relatively toward each other, and means responsive to the tension in the yarn for operating said last mentioned means whereby tensioning of the yarn is controlled by said members.

11. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a stem, a pair of relatively movable friction discs for receiving the yarn therebetween mounted on said stem, a cam, means relatively movable with respect to said cam and actuated thereby to move said discs relatively toward each other, a member mounted for rotation on said stem and associated with said last mentioned means to cause the same to be actuated by said cam, a spring urging said member into a position to effect movement of said discs toward each other,

and an arm on said member responsive to theyarn for operating said member in opposition to said spring to decrease the eifectiveness of said cam actuated means to effect relative movement of said discs toward each other.

12. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a base, a stem having one end secured to said base, a cam fixed on said stem adjacent said base, a housing member rotatably mounted on said stem, an arm secured to said housing member, a spring coiled about said housing member and having one end attached thereto, cam follower means associated with said cam and said housing means, a pair of friction discs for receiving the yarn therebetween mounted on said stem for axial movement thereon, one of said discs being engaged by said cam follower means, and a stop on said stem for engaging the other of said discs to determine the extent of axial movement thereof.

13. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a base, a stem having one end secured to said base, a cam fixed on said stem adjacent said base, a housing member rotatably mounted on said stem, an arm secured to said housing member, a spring coiled about said housing member and havin awaits 7 one end attached thereto, a casing nie'niber rotatably mounted about said stein having the other end of said spring attached thereto to vary the tension of the spring, cam follower means associated with said cam and said housing means, a pair of friction discs for receiving the yarn therebetween mounted on said stem for axial movement thereon, one of said disc's being en= gaged by said cam follower means, and a stop on said stem for engaging the other of said discs to determine the extent of axial movement thereof.

14. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a base, a stem having one end secured to said base, a cam fixed on said stem adjacent said base, a housing member rotatably mounted on said stem; an arm secured to said housing member, a spring coiled about said housing member and having one end attached thereto, a casing member rotatably mounted about said stem having the other end of said spring attached thereto to vary the tension of the spring, cam follower means asso ciated with said cam and said housing means, a pair of friction discs for receiving the yarn therebetween mounted on said stem for axial move ment thereon, one of said discs being engaged by said cam follower means, a stop on said stem for engaging the other of said discs to determine the extent of axial movement thereof, and indexing means associated with said base and casing member for indicating the adjustment of said spring;

15.- A device for tensioning yarn comprising a base, a stem having one end secured to said base, a cam fixed on said stem adjacent said base; a housing member rotatably mounted on saidstem;

an arm secured to said housing member, a spring coiled about said housing member and having one end attached thereto, a casing member rotatably mounted about said stem having the other end of said spring attached thereto to vary the tension of the spring, cam follower means associated with said cam and said housing means, a pair of friction discs for receiving the yarn therebetween mounted on said stem for axial movement thereon, one of said discs being engaged by said cam follower means, an adjustable stop on said stem for engaging the other of said discs to determine the extent of axial movement thereof, resilient means for urging said discs apart, and indexing means associated with said base and casing member for indicating the adjustment of saidspring.

16. In a yarn tensioning device including yarn tensioning means and a spring for operating the tensioning means, the combination of a base member having a radially extending groove therein, a member rotatably mounted; on said base member for varying the" tension of the spring 17. In a yarn tensioning device including yarn tensioning means and a spring for operating; the tension-ing means, the combination of a base member having aradially extending groove therein, a member rotatably mounted on said base member for varying the tension of the spring and having a spiral groove adjacent'said,

radial groove, a member slidably mounted in said 1 radial grqbv having 'a oison extending into said spiral groove whereby upon rotation of said rotatable member said slidable member is moved radially, indexing means on said slidable member for indicating the relative rotation between said rotatable member and said base member, and means for securing said rotatable member against rotation with respect to said base member.

18. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a pair of relatively movable members for receiving yaliii thrb'tvvn, lh'ans for urging Said mem bers apart, means acting in opposition to said first means for moving said members relatively toward each other, and'means for operating said last mentioned means responsive to the tension in the yarn. V

19. A device foitensioning yarn comprising a pair of relatively movable-members for receiving the yarn therebetween; resilient means for urgin said members apart, and means acting in opposition to said resilient means for urging said members toward each other including means having a high mechanioal advantage.

20; A device for tensioning yarn comprising a pair of relatively movable members for receiving yarn therebetween, means for urging said members apart, means for moving said members relatively towards each other, and means including an elongated arm controlled by the tension in the yarn for rendering said last mentioned means at least partially inefiective t'o facilitate movement of said members to control the ten"- sioning of the yarn. v

21. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a stem, yarn tensionin'g means including a pair of relatively movable" members mounted on said stem, a cam, means relatively movable with respect to said cam and actuated thereby to move said members relatively toward each other, a

member mounted for rotation on said stem constructed to arrange said last mentioned means for actuation by said cam, a spring for urging said rotatable member into a position to cause said last mentioned means to effect movement of said first members towardeach other, and an on said rotatable member responsive to the yarn tension for operating said rotatable member in opposition to said spring to decrease the effectiveness of said cam actuated means to effect rela tive movement of said firstmembers toward each other. I

22. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a base, a stem having one end secured to said base, a cam fixed on said stem adjacent said base, a housing member rotatably mounted on said stem,- a spring having one end attached to said base and having its other end attached to said housing member, an arm responsive to the yarn tension secured to said housing member for moving the same in opposition to said spring, cam follower means associated with said cam and said housing means, and yarn tensioning means including a pair of members on said stem, one of said pair of members being mounted for axial movement on said stem and being engaged by said cam follower means and movablethereby.

23. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a base, a stem having one end secured to said base, a cam fixed on said stem adjacent said base, a

housing member rotatably mounted on said stem,

a spring coiled about said housing member and having one end attached thereto, a casing member rotatably mounted about said stem having the other end of said spring attached thereto to vary the tension of the spring, an arm responsive to the yarn tension secured to said housing member for moving the same in opposition to said spring, cam follower means associated with said cam and said housing means, and yarn tensioning means including a pair of members on said stem, one of said pair of members being axially movable on said stem and being engaged by said cam follower means and movable thereby.

24. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a stem, a fixed cam on said stem, a housing member rotatably mounted on said stem provided with axially extending aperture means having one end adjacent said cam, a member axially movable on said stem and adjacent the other end of said aperture means, cam follower means movably mounted in said aperture means and operatively connecting said cam and said axially movable member, a spring for rotatably urging said housing member in one direction, an arm responsive to the yarn tension on said housing member for moving the same in opposition to said spring, and yarn tensioning means including a pair of members on said stem one of which is axially movable thereon and is engaged by said axially movable member to effect movement thereof.

25. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a stem, a fixed cam on said stem having a pair of cam surfaces, a housing member rotatably mounted on said stem provided with a pair of axially extending apertures, each having one end adjacent one of said cam surfaces, a member axially movable on said stem and adjacent the other end of said apertures, spherical means movably mounted in said apertures and operatively connecting said cam surfaces and said axially movable member, a spring for rotatably urging said housing member in one direction, an arm responsive to the yarn tension on said housing member for moving the same in opposition to said spring, and yarn tensioning means including a pair of members on said stem one of which is axially movable thereon and is engaged by said axially movable member to effect movement thereof.

26. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a stem, a fixed cam on said stem, a housing member rotatably mounted on said stem provided with axially extending aperture means having one end adjacent said cam, a member axially movable on said stem and adjacent the other end of said aperture means, cam follower means movably mounted in said aperture means and operatively connecting said cam and said axially movable member, a spring for rotatably urging said housing member in one direction, an arm responsive to the yarn tension on said housing member for moving the same in opposition to said spring, yarn tensioning means including a pair of members on said stem one of which is axially movable thereon and is engaged by said axially movable member to efiect movement thereof, and means on said stem for adjusting the axial position of the other of said pair of members.

27. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a pair of relatively movable members for receiving the yarn therebetween, a fixed cam, follower means engaging said fixed cam and being movable with respect thereto and including an element engaging one of said members, a spring normally acting to urge said follower means in a direction whereby said element acts to move said member engaged thereby toward said other member, an arm connected to said follower means responsive to the tension in the yarn for moving said follower means in opposition to said spring to render said element at least partially ineffective, and means for adjusting the force exerted on said follower means by said spring.

28. A device for tensioning yarn comprising a pair of relatively movable members for receiving the yarn therebetween, a fixed cam, follower means engaging said fixed cam and being mounted for rotation with respect thereto and including an element engaging one of said members, a spring normally acting to rotate said follower means in a direction whereby said fixed cam permits said follower means to move in an direction to cause said element to move said member engaged thereby toward said other member, an arm connected to said follower means responsive to the tension in the yarn for rotating said follower means in opposition to said spring to render said element at least partially ineffective, and means for adjusting the force exerted by said spring to rotate said follower means.

EDWARD J. HEIZER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 172,500 Ritchel Jan. 18, 1876 707,684 Fay Aug. 26, 1902 945,880 Wardwell Jan. 11, 1910 1,518,494 Elcock Dec. 9, 1924 1,534,264 Hanson Apr. 21, 1925 2,166,770 Robert July 18, 1939 2,283,912 Bushey May 26, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 287,703 Germany Oct. 2, 1915 310,516 Great Britain Mar. 20, 1930 

